Accessory attachment system for bag for carrying objects

ABSTRACT

An accessory system for a bag for carrying objects including a bag for carrying objects and an accessory bag removably suspended on the bag. A first suspension member is secured to the bag. A second suspension member is secured to the accessory bag and is configured to mate with the first suspension member to suspend the accessory bag from the bag.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bags for carrying objects, and, in particular, to an attachment system for attaching an accessory bag to a bag for carrying objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bags, such as briefcases, messenger bags, duffle bags, backpacks, suitcases, tote bags, etc. are well known for use in carrying objects. These bags typically contain a main interior compartment, and may include additional internal and/or external pockets. Some known bags are expandable, allowing the carrying capacity of the bag to be increased.

Often times it is desirable to protect the item being carried from other items in the bag. As noted above, certain bags incorporate internal and/or external pockets to carry items. However, such pockets do not help minimize jostling and bumping of the items within the bag.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an accessory attachment system for a bag that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.

SUMMARY

The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide an accessory attachment system for a bag for carrying objects. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, an accessory system for a bag for carrying objects including a bag for carrying objects and an accessory bag removably suspended on the bag. A first suspension member is secured to the bag. A second suspension member is secured to the accessory bag and is configured to mate with the first suspension member to suspend the accessory bag from the bag.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment, an accessory system for a bag for carrying objects includes a bag for carrying objects and at least one hook secured to an interior wall of the bag. An accessory bag has an elastic member and an exterior surface. The elastic member is secured to the exterior surface and is engageable with the at least one hook to suspend the accessory bag within the bag.

In accordance with a further embodiment, an accessory system for a bag for carrying objects includes a bag for carrying objects and an accessory bag removably suspended on the bag. A first suspension member is elastically secured to the bag and the accessory bag. A second elastic suspension member is secured to the other of the bag and the accessory bag, and is configured to mate with the first suspension member to suspend the accessory bag from the bag.

Substantial advantage is achieved by providing an accessory attachment system for a bag. In particular, certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an accessory attachment system that allows an accessory bag to be removably attached to a bag, providing portability and protection for the contents of the accessory bag. Certain embodiments provide an elastic attachment of the accessory bag to the bag, which provides a resilient suspension system to reduce jostling and bumping for the contents of the accessory bag.

These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag for carrying objects having an accessory attachment system for carrying an accessory bag in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a panel of the bag of FIG. 1 and an accessory bag to be attached to the panel.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the bag of FIG. 1, shown with the accessory bag of FIG. 2 suspended within the bag.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative accessory bag used with the accessory attachment system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a bag and an accessory bag to be attached to the bag in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the accessory attachment system for a bag depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Accessory attachment systems for a bag as disclosed herein would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A preferred embodiment of a bag 10 for carrying objects is shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated here, bag 10 is a backpack. It is to be appreciated that many other types of bags that can be used to carry items are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Other exemplary bags include, but are not limited to, book bags, briefcases, computer cases, duffel bags, tote bags, and purses.

Bag 10 includes an interior compartment 12. Main compartment has a fastener such as zipper 14, which allows interior compartment 12 to be opened and closed. It is to be appreciated that bag 10 may include additional compartments and/or pockets, either located within interior compartment 12 or on the exterior of bag 10. Bag 10 includes a pair of shoulder straps 16 to allow a user to carry bag 10 on their shoulders. Interior compartment 12 includes a pair of first suspension members such as hooks 18. In the illustrated embodiment, hooks 18 are secured to a removable panel 20, which forms a wall of interior compartment 12. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, hooks 18 can be directly secured to a wall of interior compartment 12.

Hooks 18 may, in certain preferred embodiments, be formed of plastic, e.g., Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), metal, a combination of metal and plastic, or any other suitable material.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, an accessory bag 22 is removably secured to hooks 18. Accessory bag 22 can take any desired shape, and may be sized and shaped to accommodate particular items. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, accessory bag 22 is a thin case, sized and shaped to be suitable for carrying a laptop computer. In another embodiment, accessory bag 22 may be sized and shaped to fit other electronic devices, such as a portable DVD player, a CD player, or any other type of media player.

Accessory bag 22 includes a zipper 24 to allow accessory bag 22 to be opened and closed. Accessory bag 22 includes handles 26 that allow accessory bag 22 to be carried conveniently, separate from bag 10.

Accessory bag 22 includes a second suspension member such as cord 28. Cord 28 is configured to mate with hooks 18, allowing accessory bag 22 to be suspended from panel 20 of bag 10. As illustrated here, cord 28 extends through a plurality of loops 30 that are secured to accessory bag 22. Loops 30 can be formed of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, textile, or any natural or man-made textile. Loops 30 can be secured to accessory bag 22 by stitching, adhesive or any other suitable fastening means. It is to be appreciated that cord 28 can be directly secured to accessory bag 22 in other embodiments, such as by stitching, adhesive or other suitable fastening means.

Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 has a first suspension member comprising a pair of hooks 18, it is to be appreciated that a single hook 18, or other suitable first suspension member, may be used in conjunction with cord 28, or other suitable second suspension member, to secure accessory bag 22 to bag 10. In other embodiments, more than two hooks 18 may be required. Thus, for instances where accessory bag 22 is small and designed to carry lightweight items, a single hook 18 may be sufficient. In cases where the items carried in accessory bag 22 may be heavy, two or more hooks 18 may be needed.

In certain preferred embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, hooks 18 can be secured to panel 20 with elongate members such as cords 32. The elongate members used to connect hooks 18 to panel 20 may be webbing, ribbon, straps or any other suitable material. In certain preferred embodiments, cords 32 are elastic, allowing accessory bag 22 to be resiliently or elastically suspended from bag 10.

Cord 28 can also be an elastic member, and any combination of elastic and inelastic cords is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Thus, bag 10 may have an elastic cord 28 and inelastic cords 32, an inelastic cord 28 and elastic cords 32, an elastic cord 28 and elastic cords 32, or an inelastic cord 28 and an inelastic cord 32. Providing elastic suspension of accessory bag 22 from bag 10 allows the contents of accessory bag 22 to be protected to a great extent from the bumps and jostling to which bag 10 is subjected.

As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 3, accessory bag 22 is suspended within interior compartment 12 a distance D above a bottom 33 of bag 10. By suspending accessory bag 22 within interior compartment 12, accessory bag 22 is isolated to some extent from the bumps, jostling and other shocks to which bag is subject. This is especially effective in embodiments where one or more of the first suspension member and the second suspension member are elastic, providing a shock absorbing and damping capability for accessory bag 22. Accessory bag 22 in such embodiments is free to move up and down as well as from side to side, providing increased protection for the items in accessory bag 22.

It is to be appreciated that accessory bag 22 can also be suspended from any location on bag 10. For example, accessory bag 22 can be suspended from first suspension members 18 on an exterior of bag 10. Alternatively, accessory bag 22 could be suspended within another compartment or pocket formed in bag 10, which may or may not be located within interior compartment 12.

Although the second suspension member is illustrated in FIG. 2 as a cord 28, it is to be appreciated that other suitable members could include ribbons, rope, straps, rings or any other member suitable for engaging with the first suspension member. Additionally, the second suspension member may be a single element that can mate with one or more first suspension members, or the second suspension member may include a plurality of elements that mate with one or more corresponding first suspension members.

Another embodiment of accessory bag 22 is shown in FIG. 2, in which the second suspension member comprises a pair of straps 34. Each strap 34 is configured to mate with a corresponding hook 18, suspending accessory bag 22 from bag 10. As illustrated here, straps 34 are inelastic. However, it is to be appreciated that straps 34 could be formed of an elastic material as well.

It is to be appreciated that the configuration of the first suspension member and the second suspension member may be the reverse of that illustrated above. That is, the second suspension member on accessory bag 22 may comprise hooks 18 while the first suspension member on bag 10 comprises a cord 28.

As noted above, accessory bag 22 may be suspended from an exterior of bag 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, a pair of first suspension members, such as closeable fasteners 36, is secured to an exterior surface of bag 10. Fasteners 36 are closeable to prevent second suspension member 28 from becoming disengaged from the first suspension member. Exemplary first suspension members include carabiners, snap fittings, or any other member suitable for attaching the second suspension member in a secure fashion.

In certain embodiments, a first retaining member such as a closeable fastener 38 is secured to an exterior of bag 10 and a second retaining member such as a cord 40 is secured to an exterior of accessory bag 22. Cord 40 can be releasably secured to closeable fastener 38 to prevent accessory bag 22 from swaying away from bag 10, that is, to prevent it from pivoting about first suspension member 36 and second suspension member 28. First retaining member 38 and second retaining member 40 may be any type of member suitable for retaining a portion of accessory bag close to or in contact with bag 10. Exemplary members include carabiners, snap fittings, rings, hook and loop fasteners, straps, cords, loops. Other suitable members will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. An accessory system for a bag for carrying objects comprising, in combination: a bag for carrying objects; an accessory bag removably suspended on the bag; a first suspension member secured to the bag; and a second suspension member secured to the accessory bag and configured to mate with the first suspension member to suspend the accessory bag from the bag.
 2. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the first suspension member comprises at least one hook.
 3. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein each hook is elastically secured to the bag.
 4. The accessory system of claim 3, wherein each hook is elastically secured to the bag by an elastic elongate member.
 5. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the second suspension member comprises an elongate member.
 6. The accessory system of claim 5, wherein the elongate member is an elastic member.
 7. The accessory system of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of loops secured to the accessory bag, the elongate member extending through each of the loops.
 8. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the first suspension member is secured to an interior of the bag.
 9. The accessory system of claim 8, wherein the second suspension member is secured to an exterior of the accessory bag.
 10. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the bag includes a panel forming a wall of a compartment of the bag, the first suspension member being secured to the panel.
 11. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the second suspension member comprises a pair of loops of material, each loop of material secured at first and second ends thereof to the accessory bag.
 12. The accessory system of claim 11, wherein each loop of material is formed of an elastic material.
 13. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the accessory bag is suspended within the bag.
 14. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the at least one hook is secured to an interior of the bag.
 15. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein a pair of hooks are secured to one of an interior of the bag and an exterior of the accessory bag.
 16. The accessory system of claim 15, further including a panel forming a wall of a compartment of the bag; wherein the hooks are secured to the panel.
 17. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the first suspension member is secured to the one of an interior of the bag and an exterior of the accessory bag with an elastic member.
 18. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein the first suspension member is secured to an exterior of the bag and the second suspension member is secured to an exterior of the accessory bag.
 19. The accessory system of claim 1, further comprising a first retaining member on an exterior surface of the bag and a second retaining member on an exterior surface of the accessory bag.
 20. An accessory system for a bag for carrying objects comprising, in combination: a bag for carrying objects; at least one hook secured to an interior wall of the bag; and an accessory bag having an elastic member and an exterior surface, the elastic member secured to the exterior surface and engageable with the at least one hook to suspend the accessory bag within the bag.
 21. The accessory system of claim 20, wherein the at least one hook is elastically secured to the bag.
 22. The accessory system of claim 20, wherein the accessory bag further comprises a plurality of loops secured to its exterior surface, the elastic member extending through the loops.
 23. An accessory system for a bag for carrying objects comprising, in combination: a bag for carrying objects; an accessory bag removably suspended on the bag; a first suspension member elastically secured to the bag and the accessory bag; and a second elastic suspension member secured to the other of the bag and the accessory bag and configured to mate with the first suspension member to suspend the accessory bag from the bag.
 24. The accessory system of claim 23, wherein the first suspension member comprises at least one hook.
 25. The accessory system of claim 23, wherein the second elastic suspension member comprises an elastic cord.
 26. The accessory system of claim 23, wherein the second elastic suspension member comprises a pair of loops of material, and the first suspension member comprises a pair of hooks, the loops of material engaged with the hooks to suspend the accessory bag from the bag. 